Drivers still texting despite ban in state

Sunday

Massachusetts drivers are still sending and reading text messages, despite a statewide ban on texting behind the wheel.

Between the Sept. 30 start of the ban and the end of May, 733 citations for sending texts — about three per day — have been issued by police.

State officials and safety groups say it’s too soon to know if the threat of tickets is stopping drivers from texting. The number of citations so far is encouraging to some, while disappointing to others.

“Unfortunately, it’s not surprising,” said Jeff Larson, president of Safe Drivers Alliance, a safe-driving advocacy group that supports laws aimed at curbing distracted driving. “It’s a difficult law to enforce and there needs to be strengthening of the law.”

While the state law bans texting, it still allows drivers to talk on their phones. Larson said this makes it tough for law enforcement to know when someone is illegally texting or legally dialing a phone number.

A solution, he said, is another law requiring drivers to use hands-free devices when talking on their phones. He said that would decrease distractions and eliminate any excuse to hold a phone.

The new law bans drivers from reading or sending text messages and emails, and scanning the Internet. If caught, even at a stoplight, motorists face fines ranging from $100 for a first offense and up to $500 for repeat offenses. Massachusetts was the 30th state in the nation to introduce a texting ban.

Under the new law, another 344 drivers have been ticketed for improperly using their mobile phones — such as by taking both hands off the wheel to grab a phone or by driving erratically.

Police also ticketed 41 drivers under the age of 18 for using their phones. Teen drivers are not allowed to use their phones for texting or talking. A ticket comes with a 60-day license suspension.

“I’m encouraged by the number of citations being issued, because that would indicate officers are being vigilant in their observations,” said Chief Wayne Sampson, director of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.

Under the new texting law, Massachusetts police have handed out seven citations for injuries from negligent driving caused by mobile phone use.

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